Signpost Blog
"This little newsletter has been an experiment so far, testing a hunch I've had that such a means of communication among walkers is needed." — Signpost magazine, 1966.
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Hiker Headlines: Forest Service Trailheads Reopen, Tips to #RecreateResponsibly
May 22, 2020
It’s May 22, nearly Memorial Day weekend. Most Forest Service developed trailheads will be open this weekend, but campgrounds remain closed. Parts of Mount Rainier National Park are reopening. Our volunteer trail maintenance is still temporarily suspended, but we've seen volunteers getting really creative with their free time. And WTA has helped create and share safety tips to keep everyone who loves the outdoors safe.
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Making Memorial Day Memories from Your Home Basecamp
May 22, 2020
Five creative ways to get outside and make the most of the long weekend.
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#RecreateResponsibly: WTA, Coalition Come Together to Offer COVID-19 Safety Tips
May 21, 2020
WTA and more than 50 outdoor groups created simple guidelines to help ensure that people can continue to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors — while keeping themselves and our community safe. #RecreateResponsibly
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Hygienic Hiking: Gear Up Against Germs
May 20, 2020
We’ve reviewed the best ways to integrate gear that can keep you and other safe on your hike, often by using the items you already have. With a few tweaks, you can streamline your packing list to include a few new essentials.
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Staying Busy During Stay at Home
May 20, 2020
How some volunteers are staying busy without trail work parties on the calendar.
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Making the Most of National Work From Home Day
May 18, 2020
As it turns out, being a hiker has made working from home a little easier.
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Hiker Headlines: Hike Smart Webinar, Coronavirus Relief and Road Openings
May 14, 2020
It's May 14. We have an upcoming webinar to answer all your questions about how to hike safely right now. A new bill in the U.S. Senate would fund wildfire prevention and provide coronavirus relief to the outdoor industry. And a couple important roads opened up this week. Here's some news you might have missed while out on the trail this week.
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Hiking With Critters, Large and Small: What You Need to Know
May 12, 2020
Wildlife encounters on trail can be a source of awe or … itching. Here are a few of the wild creatures people routinely ask us about and tips on how to make potential encounters as positive as possible.
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10 Trip Reporters who are Hiking Smart
May 11, 2020
As public lands begin to reopen, hikers are starting to get out a bit farther from home. Here are some highlights from recent trip reports.
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Fill in the Blank: Mad Libs for Hikers
May 11, 2020
Whether you're staying inside with pillow-fort tents and microwaved s’mores or driving back from an adventure, bring along one (or all) of these fill-in-the-blank games for guaranteed good times.
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Hiker Headlines: Land Reopenings, Enchantment Permits, a Big Thank You
May 07, 2020
It’s May 7. Some state lands have reopened and King County Parks will soon follow suit. We have advice on staying safe as you venture a bit farther from your front door. The coronavirus has meant changes for Enchantments permits. And we can't thank you enough for how much you showed up for trails the last few days. Here’s some hiking news you might have missed this week.
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Quiz: Which Trail Are You?
May 06, 2020
Have you always wondered which trail best fits your personality? We've got you covered. Take this quiz to find out, then plan your perfect hike for summer.
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FAQ: What Hikers Need To Know For May 5 Reopening of State Lands
May 04, 2020
Washington's state lands and trails will be reopening to hiking on May 5. Here's what hikers need to know before they go to get outdoors safely and responsibly.
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In Praise of Easy Hikes, Friendship and WTA's Hiking Guide
May 04, 2020
Sometimes it is the company that makes time on trail so important in our lives. A WTA member shares her reflections on the joy she finds in hiking with a friend.
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Hiker Headlines: State Lands Reopening, Hiking Webinar, Volunteer Honored
Apr 30, 2020
It's April 30. Soon, some state lands will begin to reopen to hikes — and we want to answer all your questions. A devoted WTA volunteer was recently honored for his work in Clark County. And clearing is now underway on the North Cascades Highway, but prepare for some delays and closures on Leavenworth's Icicle Road. Here's some news you might have missed this week.
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The Mental, Emotional and Physical Benefits of Nearby Nature
Apr 28, 2020
You don't have to go far to get the health benefits of the great outdoors. The science agrees. Learn more about of positive effects of nearby nature — from the trees on our street, to our yard, our home and even on our screens.
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Turning the Dial: State Lands Will Reopen to Hiking
Apr 27, 2020
State lands are reopening, but hiking will look different for a little while. Pack a few extra supplies (like masks, extra toilet paper and hand-sanitizer), skip that post-hike beer, and be more willing to head to a different trailhead if your first choice is busy.
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The Great Neighborhood Map Challenge
Apr 23, 2020
Think you know your neighborhood? Put your memory to the test with this fun game for the whole family!
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Hiker Headlines: A Toolkit for Advocates, Celebrate National Parks, Connect Virtually
Apr 23, 2020
It's April 23. We have a toolkit to help you speak up for the trails you love. While you can't visit in person, you can still celebrate National Park Week. And we're helping your cabin fever with our calendar of virtual events.
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Celebrate National Park Week With a Look Back
Apr 22, 2020
This year, while many trails and public lands are undergoing temporary closures, the annual celebration will be taking a turn for more virtual programming. And at WTA, we wanted to play our part in finding ways to celebrate online.
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Turn Cabin Fever Into Camping Bliss at Home
Apr 21, 2020
Inspiration for turning your living room or backyard into a campground.
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